118 The American Salmon-fisherman. 



When the forward-cast is made, that portion of the 

 handle moves toward the rear, as shown in Fig. 16. The 

 casting-hand is in effect a pivot upon which the rod oscil- 

 lates. 



Now let us assume that we have before us an expert 

 in the use of the single-handed rod, essaying to cast with 

 a double-handed rod for the first time. Since example 

 is better than precept, a close observation and analysis 

 of his procedure cannot fail to be instructive. 



Having always been accustomed to manipulate his rod 

 with the hand above the reel, he naturally relies mainly 

 on that hand to govern the rod; and as naturally, and 

 for the same reason, endeavors to make that hand the 

 centre of motion, and to compel the lower hand to coni- 

 form thereto. In other words, he endeavors to reproduce 

 the motion of the single-handed rod, moving that portion 

 of the butt below his upper hand to the front when the 

 upper part of the rod is thrown behind him for the back- 

 cast; and reversing the motion of these parts upon the 

 forward-cast, his upper hand being the centre of motion. 

 He is in trouble at once. If he holds the rod approxi- 

 mately opposite the middle of his body, as is inevitable 

 since both hands are employed, he will hardly have begun 

 his forward-cast before that portion of the rod below his 

 upper hand reversing as it does the motion of the upper 

 part of the rod encounters his stomach, and brings the 

 cast to an untimely and disagreeable end. 



A few experiences of this kind are a full dose for a 

 grown man. Some modification is imperative. He next 

 endeavors to cast by holding the rod well off to one side, 

 so thai the butt may swing clear. If standing, this is in 

 measure successful, until excessive fatigue from the un- 



